David G. Roberts, AICP/PP, LLA, RLA Maser Consulting, PA 1

Transcription

1 David G. Roberts, AICP/PP, LLA, RLA Maser Consulting, PA 1

2 In March of 2009, the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) awarded Ocean County a $120,000 grant through its Subregional Study Program. The grant will study pedestrian strategies and the possibility of expanding bicycle facilities and mobility; specifically, the creation of a bike/walking path on an existing railroad right-of-way in New Egypt and the Barnegat Branch Trail s link in downtown Toms River. Downtown Toms River Downtown New Egypt

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4 Link from Admiral Boulevard to Herflicker Blvd. Bridge Downtown Toms River The current end of the Barnegat Branch Trail at Admiral Boulevard at the border of South Toms River and Beachwood Boroughs presents a choice for cyclists to either ride the shoulders down Rt. 166 (Atlantic City Boulevard) to South Main Street or Flint Street to get to the Herflicker Boulevard Bridge 4

5 Route 166 from Admiral Boulevard to South Main Street Downtown Toms River The stretch of Rt. 166 running through South Toms River between Admiral Boulevard and South Main Street has intermittent shoulders and lacks controlled driveway cuts, making it confusing to cyclists as to whether to ride along the shoulder or ride on the sidewalks (where they exist). 5

6 Link from Admiral Boulevard to Herflicker Blvd. Bridge Downtown Toms River Long Term Solution: Acquire easement or title to Block 23, Lots 1 and 1.02 to extend Barnegat Branch Trail from Admiral Boulevard to Herflicker Blvd. bridge. Short Term Solution: Modified shoulders and bike lane signage along Flint Road between Admiral Boulevard and Herflicker Blvd. bridge. Obstacles to multipurpose path on Block 23, Lots 1 and 1.02 Tax Map from South Toms River showing Block 23, Lots 1 and 1.02 as potential right-of-way for future multipurpose path. Image at left shows current condition of former Barnegat Branch Trail ROW along southbound side of Atlantic City Boulevard (Rt 166). 6

7 Link from Admiral Boulevard to Herflicker Blvd. Bridge Downtown Toms River The former Barnegat Branch ROW extends all the way to Herflicker Boulevard and widens at the intersection of Flint Road and South Main Street so that the BBT could some day reach the Herflicker Boulevard Bridge and ultimately connect to the remainder of the ROW to the Bus Depot. Until then, Flint Road is the safest route for bicycle travel to the same point. 7

8 Proposed Bike & Pedestrian Paths Downtown Toms River The potential routes for bicycle and pedestrian circulation between the BBT and Downtown Toms River, including the Toms River Bus Depot were analyzed in a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats). 8

9 Strengths-Weaknesses- Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) Analysis Downtown Toms River Table 1: Toms River Bicycle Link SWOT Analysis The SWOT Analysis in the First Draft Summary Report for Toms River is shown on the next several slides. Atlantic City Boulevard (166) and Flint Road are shown in the table to the right. Atlantic City Boulevard (A1) Atlantic City Boulevard (A2) Flint Road (F1) Flint Road (F2) Strengths Weakness of Existing Conditions Opportunities Threat to Bike Facilities Large right o f way (~60ft) could accommodate pedestrian/bike facility Large building setbacks Access to terminus of BBT Wide shoulders Underutilized lots Vacant land Adjacent to Mathias Park Water views Large right of way (~60ft) could accommodate pedestrian/bike facility Wide shoulders Large lots allow for potentially fewer curb cuts Wide pavement surface Low traffic volume Direct connection to the BBT Low traffic volume Wide pavement surface Direct connection to Herflicker Bridge Unimproved strip development High traffic volumes, major road Unpleasant pedestrian/bicycling environment Many turning vehicles Site design of front parking lots with no curbs not compatible with pedestrian/bike facilities Commercial activity creates high traffic volume Industrial land use/vacant land High/increased traffic volumes (roads merge) Site design of front parking lots with no curbs not compatible with pedestrian/bike facilities Shoulders disappear nearing the intersection with Main/Water No sidewalks industrial/light industrial land use prevalent with truck traffic Reduced horizontal sight lines Sidewalks in need of repair Multiple land uses on road (residential/industrial) Reduced horizontal sight lines Bridge creates some vehicle backup Space for large offroad bikeway or pedestrian path Large lots and front parking could be redesigned to include designated driveways and bike lanes Shoulder for Path/Sidewalk Direct connection to Mathias Plaza Space for bike lanes Travel lane consolidation Multimodal transportation improvements Traffic Volumes from tourism and peak driving times Traffic Volumes from tourism and peak driving times Shoulders too narrow and not bike-able at some points Some truck traffic Some truck traffic Narrow shoulders 9

10 Strengths-Weaknesses- Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) Analysis Downtown Toms River Strengths Weakness of Existing Conditions Opportunities Threat to Bike Facilities The SWOT analysis for Water Street and Main Street is shown in the table to the right. Water Street (W1) Nearby Downtown activity Connection to redevelopment area Pedestrian facilities and crosswalks Lack of bicycle right of way High traffic volumes Minimal space for improvement without traffic reconfiguration Truck traffic to the post office Uncontrolled access to parking lots Drainage grates not bikecompatible Street tree plantings Improved Fire Company ingress and egress Increased pedestrian connections and signage to redevelopment area Gateway to residential and business areas Many turning lanes for high traffic volumes Lack of space for bike lane in existing configuration Water Street (W2) Existing pedestrian facilities Water views/access and landscaping Wide setbacks provide room for bikeway Adjacent to Huddy Park High traffic volume. Drainage grates not bikecompatible Lacks some pedestrian curb cuts Lacks room for ADAcompliant sidewalks High truck and car traffic Narrow vehicle lanes Improved Fire Company ingress and egress Street tree plantings Improved pedestrian crossings Traffic demand to downtown Main Street (M1) Pedestrian facilities Green space and bridge/water views Not frequented by pedestrians Vehicle-oriented Connecting crosswalk to Huddy Park Gateway feature Dedicated bike space Isolated from downtown activities Main Street (M2) Downtown activity Some pedestrian features Road cannot accommodate bike lanes Parking adjacent to in-road biking may lead to safety issues Some pedestrian crossing issues, such as long wait to cross Improved pedestrian crossings Sharrow or bike lanes Improved gateway features Increased crossing times Connects directly to busy intersection of Main/Water 10

11 Strengths-Weaknesses- Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) Analysis Downtown Toms River Strengths Weakness of Existing Conditions Opportunities Threat to Bike Facilities The SWOT analysis for Herflicker Boulevard and Irons Street is shown in the table to the right. The entrance to Downtown Toms River via Main Street or Flint Road, whether by car, bicycle or on foot, contains spaces that are left-over from the circulation changes made to Rt 166 and are opportunities for extensions of Huddy Park as landscaped gateway treatments. Herflicker Blvd (H1) Irons Street (I1) Irons Street (I2) Wide road with space for bike-specific improvements Wide bridge with side path for pedestrian or bikers Potential for future trail connection Wide roadway Few curb cuts Wide shoulders Wide roadway Connection to residential areas Surrounding parking lots and related traffic Isolated and unconnected pedestrian/bike facilities Traffic volumes from Main Street bypass Side path ends abruptly High traffic volume from Main Street bypass One-way traffic Lack of shoulders Narrow sidewalks Lighting and aesthetic improvements Improved pedestrian crossings (at Irons and Herflicker intersection) Bike lanes Bike and pedestrian facilities with future redevelopment Side roadway or offroad path incorporated into sidewalk Two- way bike lanes Bike and pedestrian facilities with future redevelopment Bike and pedestrian facilities with future redevelopment Available ROW for bike facilities Available ROW for widened pedestrian facilities The turf area between the Main Street approach to Downtown and the edge of the bridge could be transformed into a gateway pocket park Crossing areas with high traffic volume Traffic volume from bypass High traffic at intersection 11

12 Intersection of Water Street and Main Street Downtown Toms River One of the principal challenges to bicycle mobility between the end of the Barnegat Branch Trail and Downtown Toms River is the safe crossing of Water Street for both pedestrians and cyclists. 12

13 HUDDY PARK Downtown Toms River Huddy Park s pedestrian circulation system features an existing connection to the Main Street approach to Downtown Toms River that could be expanded to accommodate cyclists and connect to the vacant turfed space on the other side via a prominent crossing. The introduction of signalized pedestrian crossings at the South Main Street and Robbins Street in combination with pedestrian/cycle signage and a button activated Pedestrian Phase for the signals at Irons, Main and Herflicker all need to be synchronized and the affect on traffic circulation and congestion will be modeled once updated traffic counts are obtained from the County. If feasible, the insertion of a prominent pedestrian/bicycle crossing such as pictured at left would provide safer pedestrian access to Huddy Park. 13

14 Intersection of Water Street and Irons Street Downtown Toms River If a safe and efficient link can be made between the Herflicker Boulevard Bridge and Water Street, a bike lane up Irons Street to Legion Court would enable bicycle access to South Toms River High School and the Ocean County Library without having to ride on either Hooper Avenue, Main Street or Washington Street. 14

15 Iron Street Potential Treatment Downtown Toms River LONG TERM SOLUTION: While unorthodox, a two-way bikepath may be feasible along Iron Street within a reconfigured shoulder. So that cyclists are separated from the large volume of vehicles circling counterclockwise on Rt 166 as they pass through the downtown en route t0 South Toms River and points south and west. Cross section at left shows twoway bike-lane at 10 ft. separated by a 9 ft. planting strip. Bike Lane shown at left is a 10 ft wide two-way lane with pavement markings in the shoulder. 15

16 HUDDY PARK Downtown Toms River Another challenge and opportunity for bicycle and pedestrian mobility between the end of the Barnegat Branch Trail and Downtown Toms River is Huddy Park. The Park is already used by cyclists moving between Rt 166 in South Toms River and Downtown as a means of avoiding the busy Main Street-Water Street intersection. The footbridge over the river connects both sides of Huddy Park and is used by cyclists as a shortcut. The water s edge on the far side of Huddy Park provides an attractive place for cyclists to rest after traveling the BBT. 16

17 Irons Street to Legion Court & Toms River South HS; Hyer Street & Dayton Ave to MonDon HS Downtown Toms River If a safe and efficient link can be made between the Herflicker Boulevard Bridge and Water Street, a bike lane up Irons Street to Legion Court would enable bicycle access to South Toms River High School and the Ocean County Library without having to ride on either Hooper Avenue, Main Street or Washington Street. The yellow line on the aerial image to the right shows a bike route that connects Legion Court to Monsignor Donovan High School via Hyer Street and Dayton Avenue. 17

18 Hyer Street to Dayton Avenue Downtown Toms River Once a cyclist gets to Legion Court, Hyer Street provides a generous right-of-way that leads to Dayton Avenue. Dayton Avenue is the only connector between the Main Street corridor down the west side of the Downtown, and the Hooper Avenue corridor along the east side of the Downtown. Using Hyer, which runs parallel to both Main and Hooper, provides a less trafficked, lower speed limit and safer route for cyclists. A sharrow (left) is a bike route on roads shared with automobile traffic marked with a painted arrow. 18

19 Dayton Avenue to Hooper (MonDon HS) & Bus Depot via Highlands Parkway Downtown Toms River Dayton Avenue (below) connects the St. Joseph s Catholic Parish and Monsignor Donovan High School on Hooper Avenue to the First Baptist Church on Main Street, while Hyer Street connects Dayton to Toms River High School South and the County Library Headquarters Branch. Highlands Parkway connects Main Street to the Toms River Bus Depot. 19

20 The Plumsted Circulation Element identified a potential Class 1 Bikepath along the JCP&L right-ofway, which was a former rail line at the turn of the Century. 20

21 The New Egypt Rail Trail Bikepath Existing JCP&L Right-0f Way Former Long-Branch New Egypt Railroad (1868 to 1959) The former rail line that runs through downtown New Egypt from North Hanover in Burlington County to Upper Freehold in Monmouth County provides an opportunity to provide a off-road bikepath through the woods between Jacobstown Road in downtown New Egypt to the High School-Middle School-Library-Municipal Building campus on Evergreen Road with only two road crossings. 21

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28 The New Egypt Rail Trail Bikepath The Vision The images from the completed sections of the Barnegat Branch Trail shown in three of the four images to the right provide a glimpse of what the New Egypt Rail Trail Bikepath could be. A crossing such as pictured at the lower right would be needed at Evergreen Avenue and Bright Avenue. A more prominent crossing would be needed to continue the path across CR537 into Monmouth County. The existing bridge at right along the BBT at Cedar Creek is representative of the timber rail bridge that once crossed the Crosswicks Creek 28

29 The New Egypt Rail Trail Bikepath Crossings The full buildout of the New Egypt Rail Trail Bikepath will require one major bridge over the Crosswicks Creek that will likely closely resemble the images on the far right; a smaller bridge over a washout area to the north of Bright Road (resembling the image at lower left) and a culvert crossing in the northern most section of Phase 2 (resembling image at upper left). 29

30 The New Egypt Rail Trail Bikepath Monmouth County opened a two mile section of the Union Transportation Trail (UTT) on September 25, This multipurpose trail follows the same JCP&L ROW through Upper Freehold Township northerly towards the Mercer County border and crosses Route 539 in Upper Freehold just north of the Plumsted border at CR 537 (image at lower right). The Trailhead to the UTT includes a gravel parking area (lower left image) and park shelter building and is on Millstone Road only a few hundred feet from the Plumsted border at CR 537 (upper left and right images). Union Transportation Trail (UTT) Monmouth County Parks System 30

31 The New Egypt Rail Trail Bikepath Connecting to the (UTT) Several alternatives to connecting the New Egypt Rail Trail to the UTT have been evaluated in collaboration with the Monmouth County Park System, with the recommended solution a box culvert under CR 537 of approximately 75 feet in length, which is estimated to cost around $101,500 ($1,355 per foot). 31

32 Oakford Lake Park Oakford Lake Park Boat Launch The final charge in the SPP for New Egypt is to reconfigure the excess ROW in Lakeview Drive to improve parking and enhance the water s edge of the park at Oakford Lake. A sketch of a boat launch/dock at the Lake s Edge is shown above, which would complement the kayak/canoe launch at Vounteer Park north of the Main Street Bridge (right). 32

33 The End 33